Cranky clown Jerry Lewis, who just weeks ago said Merv Griffin “deserved to die,” is in trouble again after uttering a gay slur on his annual MDA Telethon.

Lewis, 81, was being recorded on Monday when he started remarking on the cameraman’s “family” – pieces of studio equipment.

“Your family has come to see you,” he said, stroking a monitor. “You remember Bart, your older son. Jesse, the illiterate f—-t,” he said.

“No,” Lewis said suddenly, realizing what he’d said.

The video of Lewis’ remark incurred the wrath of Neil Giuliano, president of Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. “Jerry Lewis’ on-air use of this kind of anti-gay slur is simply unacceptable.”

A contrite Lewis yesterday said, “I accept responsibility for what I said. There are no excuses. I am sorry.”

On Aug. 24 Lewis said Griffin “deserved to die” because he didn’t treat the prostate cancer that eventually killed him.